Wildlife groups say forty respected scientists signed a statement in support of ending the shark fin trade. The statement was given to the Hong Kong government earlier this year.
(MUSIC)
BOB DOUGHTY: In early September, the Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific announced it would stop shipping unsustainably sourced shark products. The company said its decision was based on the vulnerable nature of sharks, their rapidly declining population, and the effects of overfishing for their parts and products. It added, “We believe that we now have compelling evidence that the majority of shark fishing is incompatible with our position on sustainable development.”
Environmental groups praised Cathay Pacific’s decision. But people in the shark fin industry saw it as a threat to their businesses.
BARBARA KLEIN: Earlier, the Chinese government announced plans to ban shark fin soup from being served at official dinners. The move was seen as an attempt to protect shark populations and reduce spending at government events.
In July, the Communist Party-controlled Global Times said it would take about three years to remove shark fins from the menus of official events. The Reuters news service reported that some Chinese reacted angrily to the announcement. One man asked, “You have to wait three years to do this?” Another said “ordinary people eat starch noodles.” He said “officials use the people’s money to eat shark fin.”
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25